From the blaze of passion between our romantic leads to the agony of two characters whose relationship seems to take two steps back for every step forward, love is what fascinates and keeps us watching just-one-more-episode late into the night.

Here’s a list of 14 of the most romantic couples in British period drama, in no particular order, from guest writer Jessica Werre:

1. Amy Dorrit and Arthur Clennam in ‘Little Dorrit’

Before Claire Foy was the “queen” of drama in The Crown she won our hearts as sweet kindhearted Amy Dorrit, a seamstress who grew up taking care of her father who has been in debtor’s jail since before she was born.

Arthur Clennam’s valiant determination to right the wrongs that caused Amy’s misfortune begins to slowly win her over – and us as well!

Some relationships are balanced by the strengths of each making up for the weaknesses of the other. In others the romantic tension is caused when the couple meet their match in wits and intelligence in the other.

The story of Harriet Vane, a mystery writer, and Lord Peter Wimsey, the detective who proves her innocent of murder, unfolds into just such a relationship!

4. Tommy and Tuppence in ‘Partners in Crime’

Here is a couple who realised that neither of them fit the traditional roles of working husband and house wife.

What is more romantic then discovering a shared knack for espionage and crime solving?